Is Your Tree Trying to Tell You Something?
What Pennsylvania Homeowners Should Watch for This May
May 2026 | Specialty Tree Service | York: 717-755-7505 | Lancaster: 717-392-6306
Spring is one of the best times to take a slow walk around your property and really look at your trees. After months of cold weather, most trees in York and Lancaster County are pushing out fresh growth — but some are quietly struggling in ways that are easy to miss until a problem becomes an emergency. Our ISA Certified Arborists see the same warning signs every May, and catching them early almost always means more options and lower costs for homeowners.
What to Look For Right Now
The most common red flag we see is branches that simply didn’t leaf out this spring. Dead or hanging limbs — especially over a roof, driveway, or backyard — are a safety hazard that one good summer storm can turn into a serious problem. If you notice branches that look bare while the rest of the tree is full, that’s worth a professional look. Unusual leaf color is another early signal. Yellow, spotted, or undersized leaves often point to nutrient stress, root damage, or the beginning of a disease. The same goes for any cracking or splitting in the trunk, soft spots in the bark, or mushroom-like growths near the base of the tree these can indicate internal decay that isn’t visible from the outside. If you have ash trees on your property, May is especially important. The Emerald Ash Borer is active across Pennsylvania and has devastated ash populations throughout York and Lancaster counties. Look for small D-shaped holes in the bark and thinning at the top of the canopy. Treated early, ash trees can often be saved with systemic injection but once a tree is significantly declined, removal becomes the only safe option.
A Good Time to Trim With a Few Exceptions
Late spring is generally an excellent window for tree trimming. Trees are actively growing and seal over pruning cuts quickly, which reduces the risk of disease. Removing deadwood, thinning the canopy, and clearing branches away from your roofline now also makes your property significantly safer heading into Pennsylvania’s summer storm season.
One important exception: oak trees should not be pruned between April and July. Oak Wilt — a lethal fungal disease spread by beetles — is at its peak during warm months, and fresh pruning wounds are an open invitation. If your oaks need work, schedule it for late summer or fall. Our arborists will let you know what’s right for your specific trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my tree needs to be removed or can be saved?
A: It depends on the extent of the damage or disease. Trees with significant structural issues,
advanced decay, or severe lean near structures are often better removed for safety. Many others can be preserved with the right pruning or treatment. The best way to know is a free on-site assessment our arborists give you an honest answer with no pressure.
Q: Is spring a good time to call for an estimate?
A: Absolutely, it’s the best time. We can assess winter damage, identify any disease or pest
issues early, and get trimming or removal scheduled before summer storm season arrives. Our
The schedule fills up in May, so the sooner you reach out, the better.
Q: Do you handle trees near power lines or the house?
A: Yes. We’re trained and fully insured for utility-adjacent and structurally complex work. We use
aerial bucket trucks and experienced climbers to work safely around buildings, lines, and other
structures.
Specialty Tree Service has been caring for trees in York and Lancaster County since 1980.
Family owned · ISA Certified Arborists · Free Estimates · 5.0 Stars on Google
York: 717-755-7505 | Lancaster: 717-392-6306 | specialtytreeservice.com